Station 19 Review: A House Is Not a Home (Season 5 Episode 7)

The entire firehouse family gets a chance to shine on Station 19 Season 5 Episode 7, “A House Is Not a Home.”

Unfortunately, that strategy becomes a double-edged sword when it highlights the true strengths of some of the storylines and the undeniable weaknesses of others.

“A House Is Not a Home” pulls the thread through seasons-long stories, like Travis’ conflict with his parents.

That story finds its fitting end (for now) in this episode, and it’s reflective of real-life that it doesn’t come with a pretty bow.

Though, Nari telling her son, “You were nothing but perfect, Travis,” feels as close as we’re going to get to one. Whew, what a scene!

Station 19 continues to lean into the complexities and messiness of the lives of these characters. Specifically, this season and Jaina Lee Ortiz are doing an exponentially great job with Andy Herrera’s confrontation with that concept. 

Andy’s arc is frustrating and emotionally taxing because it reflects non-linear character development, which mirrors the human experience.

It’s understandable that as Andy becomes more self-aware, she will take plenty of steps forwards and then a few backward.

Her final scene with Robert in “A House Is Not a Home” shows her causing more detriment to herself and the people she cares about — pushing her further in her spiral.

It’s refreshing that Station 19 doesn’t force a quick resolution for a conflict of this magnitude. 

Alternatively, it raises the question of if there will be anything to salvage between her and Robert once Andy gets the help she needs.

It’s one thing for Robert to hold an empathetic space for Andy during all of this, but there will be too much damage done at some point.

Station 19 is heading into its winter finale, and Surrera can still barely hold a conversation.

Their forced separation of two stations doesn’t help the lack of communication, but now Robert is a sub at 23.

Hopefully, this means the show will continue to dive into this delicate situation and at least allow them to share more than a few words.

There needs to be more communication, however argumentative, between the pair if they have a shot at a future together.

Meanwhile, Grey Damon and Barrett Doss bring so much unbridled tension to Jack and Vic’s destruction of Travis’ bathroom, and none of that tension is romantic.

It’s powerful to watch Jack and Vic alleviate even a fraction of their pain with that sledgehammer, but it all comes crashing down with that kiss.

That kiss is a trauma response for Jack, but this scene would have been equally as effective without it.

This rather shocking scene addresses that without Vic and Jack saying a word in that regard. Their conversation earlier in the episode is enough.

Jack reminds Vic mere minutes prior that acting in such a way is a coping mechanism. Alternatively, Vic expresses her disappointment about being denied the complicated conversation with Dean about his love for her.

Because of that exchange, both of their reactions to the kiss feel so authentic.

Instantly, they know they can’t fill the Dean-shaped hole in their hearts with each other. Still, this feels like it’s not the last time these two will make some poor decisions in the midst of their grief, and that’s okay.

Everyone works through grief differently, and “A House Is Not a Home” examines that with unflinching honesty. 

Maya and Carina’s approach to that process is far more optimistic than the others. As a result, the Marina scenes feel like an opportunity to catch a breath after the heavier ones. 

Not to mention, Danielle Savre and Stefania Spampinato’s chemistry turns up the heat enough that you won’t even notice there isn’t that much literal fire in this episode.

Maya and Carina’s conversation around starting a family takes a new turn in “A House Is Not a Home.” The topic is more about the emotional reasons for who should carry, rather than the practical ones the couple discussed previously.

The evolution of this chapter of their lives is so well-paced and delightful to watch. So it’s a relief that Station 19 steers at least one pairing away from drama by having Marina go with an anonymous sperm donor.

It is greatly appreciated that there is no unnecessary drama between the couple themselves. Though, it’s fascinating to imagine where it will arise for Maya and Carina.

The balance between Stations 19 and 23 hasn’t been the best — resulting in few indications of the status of Maya’s work-life.

The mention of Carina’s job as a contributing factor for why she wants to carry begs whether Station 19 will follow Carina to work. This question is a long-lasting one for the series, and now could be the time it’s answered. 

As some storylines find logical conclusions or enter new chapters on “A House Is Not a Home,” the possibility of things heating up even more in time for the winter finale seems unavoidable.

Stray Thoughts

• “I want to have another version of you I can count my blessings on” may be one of the most romantic lines ever.
• Everything Miranda Bailey says and does in this episode is amazing.
• Dean’s parents are so unlikable. Blood doesn’t make a family.
• Andy’s speech to 23 is what I have been waiting to see from her.
• Did anyone else imagine Dean as a jazz-cat-lasagna ghost? Just me?

What did you think of this episode of Station 19? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Station 19 airs Thursdays at 8/9c on ABC.

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